Growing Tips On Petunia ‘Night Sky’

Recommends the following tips for growing ‘Night Sky’ successfully:

1. Stay away from B-Nine for growth regulation, as it can turn flowers white, although Chaney says it is probably all right to use it in the propagation stage.
2. The cooler you can grow plants in the spring, the better success you will have.
3. High daytime temperatures are one of the reasons the flowers go white. If you are growing in the North, you could run into some issues. Make sure you get plants to market before Mother’s Day if you prefer bluer plants with white highlights.
4. Pinch plants in the liner tray before transplant and give them a week before transplant
5. For propagation, stick the plants as soon as possible after they come in. Once the roots come out, reduce misting.

Production Quick Facts 

Propagation
     Medium: EC of 0.75 to 0.80 mmhos and a pH of 5.5 to 5.8
     Fertilizer: 75 to 100 ppm N when roots become visible, increase to 150 to 200 ppm N as roots develop

Grow to Finish
     Medium: Well-drained, disease-free with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0
     Temperature: Night from 52°F to 62°F and daytime from 58°F to 75°F; higher temperatures can affect flower color
     Lighting: 5,000 to 8,000 f.c. (50,000 to 80,000 Lux); long days not necessary to flower
     Fertilizer: Constant feed with a balanced fertilizer at 150 to 250 ppm N, additional iron may be needed based on water quality
     Plant growth regulators: Drench with Bonzi (1 to 3 ppm); Bonzi as a drench can prevent flowers from turning too white.

@ greenhousegrower